The debate on Internet governance: From Geneva to Tunis and beyond

Abstract

This article attempts to trace the history of the debate on Internet governance and tries to identify the main dimensions and subtexts of this debate. It does so from an insider perspective as the author was associated in the first phase of the WSIS as a governmental representative, was subsequently involved in the WGIG process, an observer at the second phase of the WSIS, watching proceedings from the sidelines, and an organiser of the first Internet Governance Forum in Athens, Greece in November 2006. The paper identifies and traces the themes and issues that have occupied participants in the processes surrounding Internet governance during three years from 2005.